Opinion
Editorial

EDITORIAL: About farm land assessments...

That is, unless of course, those farmers can’t afford to feed themselves or pay their taxes.

Sadly, that’s not stretching the truth too much considering recent news surrounding farm assessments from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. And, as the years pass, those assessments are only going to increase.

During its regular meeting Monday, Quinte West city council was informed of major spikes in farm assessments this year.

The value on a 118-acre parcel of farmland doubled and is now valued at $505,000, according to the new MPAC assessment.

A separate 55-acre of land is now assessed at $300,000, up from a previously assessed $100,00.

The bad news doesn’t end there.

City finance director David Clazie provided a bleak outlook of what could happen over the next four years.

Starting in 2017, the tax on farm properties will double over the next four years. That’s 25 per cent a year.

Farmland assessment has been increasing since across the province since 2012. Since then, lands deemed as agricultural in use have jumped 50 per cent. And, obviously, will only continue to keep climbing.

Some may recall, a handful of years ago, when Prince Edward County residents with shoreline property were screaming blue murder because of the increased values of their lands.

Expect even louder shouts when these assessment notices arrive in mailboxes.

And, rightfully so.

Farmers have had a rough number of years and this summer’s drought-like conditions certainly haven’t helped the men and women who depend on the land for their livelihood. Add to that stress major increases in tax bills and one would expect nothing less than a revolt.

Farmers may feed cities but they may have to move to them with increases like the ones MPAC are introducing.